Demand for beverage containers in China is projected to increase 8.2% per annum to 298BN units in 2012, according to analysts. Gains will be drive by increasing personal income levels, which in turn will support robust growth in packaged beverage consumption. Continued utilisation of single-serving containers in many markets and high levels of new production introductions accompanied by aggressive marketing efforts will also contribute to beverage container gains. Glass is expected to remain the second largest beverage container material, with a projected market share of 24% by 2012. Plastic beverage bottles are expected to be in the lead at 42%. Gains for glass will benefit from the up scale, premium image conveyed by glass. Beer will continue to offer the best prospects for glass bottles based on big increases in beer consumption.
